ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 219.62 Cr
Over 4.12 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 18,802
1,574 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.77%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 1.11%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219.62 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 4.12 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
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HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10415403
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10120632
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7074142
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18437159
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17720602
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13751116
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
41245177
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
32380677
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
62013310
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
53341499
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
561419168
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
516339707
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
100768818
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
204049103
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
197079041
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
50787505
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127681623
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
123221711
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|
Precaution Dose
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|
48371945
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
22,07,53,526
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Total
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2,19,62,18,338
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 18,802. Active cases now constitute 0.04% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.77%. 2,161 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,41,02,852.
1,574 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 1,65,901 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 90.07 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 1.11% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.95%.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prof. S P Singh Baghel presides over 68th Foundation Day celebrations at AIIMS, New Delhi
Over its 68 years of existence, AIIMS has truly lived up to its reputation as the premier healthcare institution of the country: Prof. S P Singh Baghel
“India is promoting holistic healthcare with emphasis on preventive care”
“Over its 68 years of existence, AIIMS has truly lived up to its reputation as the premier healthcare institution of the country. Today even a child in any village of India have heard the name of AIIMS.” This was stated by Prof S P Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare as he presided over the 68th Foundation Day celebrations of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi in the presence of Dr. V K Paul, Member , NITI Aayog, here today.
Prof Baghel expressed happiness that for the sixth consecutive year, AIIMS New Delhi has been ranked as number one among medical institutions as per National Institute Ranking Framework  issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He stated that AIIMS has already become a brand today with its reputation spread across the country. He encouraged the AIIMS officials to maintain this image and take the brand of AIIMS to greater heights.
The Union Health Minister stated that India today can be comparable to any developed country in healthcare because of its highly trained human resources. He said that Indians comprise a high percentage of doctors even in developed countries while the country is already known for its vaccine manufacturing capabilities, its pharma industries and its innovations in the medtech sector. He also stated that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is promoting holistic healthcare with emphasis on preventive care.
Prof. S P Singh Baghel visited the exhibition organized at AIIMS on the theme “AIIMS: Leading India’s Health Care Security” and awarded the students for their achievements and contribution. He also encouraged the students at AIIMS to work hard and urged them to always remember their responsibilities.
Dr. V K Paul delivered the Diamond Jubilee Oration on the occasion. He reflected on India’s COVID-19 Vaccination Journey which he called a story of “Atmanirbharta” and “Atmavishwas”. He highlighted India’s success in manufacturing both indigenous vaccines and foreign vaccines under technology transfer, at scale.
Dr. Paul emphasized on India’s mammoth COVID-19 vaccination strategy including administration, logistics, communication strategy and the roll-out journey. He pointed out that 98% of India’s vaccine administration were done free of cost through India’s public health system.
Dr Paul highlighted the need for nurturing India’s pharma, medical and medtech sectors for ensuring India’s competitive advantage in these fields in the years ahead.
Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Prof. Minu Bajpai, Dean, AIIMS New Delhi and Prof Girija Prasad Rath, Registrar, AIIMS New Delhi were present on the occasion.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between Prime Minister and President of Ukraine
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation today with His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.
The leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts. Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
Prime Minister emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine. He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment.
The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 2021.
Department of Space
Four Indian astronauts undergoing generic space flight training in Russia as part of Gaganyaan Programme nearing completion: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh said that four Indian astronaut candidates are currently undergoing generic space flight training in Russia as part of GaganyaanProgramme. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, he said, the astronaut training activities in Russia are nearing completion. Major modules such as survival training , parabolic flights, theoretical classes on orbital mechanics, astro-navigation and some Soyuz systems have been completed.
DrJitendra Singh said, Government of India has made reforms in Space sector by enabling private sector participation in Space activities.He said, the intention is to provide level playing field for private companies in satellites, launches and space-based services, to bring in predictable policy and regulatory environment to private players, to provide access to ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities, to provide opportunities in selected areas of planetary exploration, outer space travel, etc. to private sector and to liberalize the existing geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to entrepreneurs.
DrJitendra Singh said that PSLV-C51 carried Amazonia-1 optical earth observation satellite of National Institute of Space Research of Brazil along with 18 small satellites on February 28, 2021.
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SNC
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Ministry of Civil Aviation
Citizens can now become drone pilots with any government issued identity and address proof
Exercising the power bestowed upon it by section 5, sub-section 2 of section 10 and sections 10A, 10B, and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 , the Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the new Drone  Rules 2023 for drone pilots.
After the amendment, it has now been made clear that a government issued proof of identity and a government issued proof of address i.e. Voter ID, Ration Card or Driving License can now be accepted to apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate if the drone pilot does not have a passport.
The prerequisite of having a passport was becoming a hurdle for aspiring drone pilots especially in the agricultural sector across rural India. This effort is to further liberalise, promote and facilitate drone operations across the country and make India a global drone hub by 2030.
The rule is effective from the 27th of September 2023.
Prime Minister's Office
Today’s meeting on J&K is an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive J&K: PM
Our priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K: PM
Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that J&K gets an elected Government: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has called today’s meeting with political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive J&K, where all-round growth is furthered.
In a series of tweets after the meeting, the Prime Minister said.
“Today’s meeting with political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir is an important step in the ongoing efforts towards a developed and progressive J&K, where all-round growth is furthered.
Our priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K. Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K’s development trajectory.
Our democracy’s biggest strength is the ability to sit across a table and exchange views. I told the leaders of J&K that it is the people, specially the youth who have to provide political leadership to J&K, and ensure their aspirations are duly fulfilled.”
PIB Headquarters
Hindi Consultant: Applications Invited
(Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Ernakulam, an attached office of Ministry of Earth Sciences invites application from retired Government servants of the level of Hindi Officers/ Sr. Translator/ Jr. Translator for engagement as consultant, for rendering assistance in implementation of official language related matters. The proforma and relevant details are available in the website www.cmlre.gov.in.
IE-AB
Ministry of Defence
Curtain Raiser: Indo-French Exercise Desert Knight-21
Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force  will conduct a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 20 to 24 Jan 21.
French side will participate with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport , A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel. The Indian Air Force aircraft participating in the exercise will include Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
The exercise marks an important milestone in the series of engagements between the two Air forces. As part of Indo-French defence cooperation, Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force have held six editions of Air Exercises named 'Garuda', the latest being in 2019 at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan, France. As measures to further the existing cooperation, the two forces have been gainfully utilising available opportunities to conduct 'hop-exercises'. The French Air and Space Force deployment while ferrying to Australia for Ex Pitchblack in 2018 was hosted by IAF at Air Force Stations Agra and Gwalior for exercise with fighters and MRTT aircraft. Presently, the French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 is deployed in Asia as part of their 'Skyros Deployment' and will ferry in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The exercise is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premier Air Forces. As the two detachments commence their air exchange from 20 Jan onwards, they will put into practice operational experience gained across terrains and spectrums and endeavour to exchange ideas and best practices to enhance interoperability.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Electric Vehicle Charging Station on National Highways
Electric vehicle Charging Stations are to be provided by the developer as part of the Wayside Amenities  being awarded by the National Highways Authority of India . NHAI has already awarded 39 such facilities and the proposals for 103 such sites are at bidding stage. Further, additional WSA sites, as and when identified by the Authority, would also be put up for bidding. The works which have been already awarded are expected to be completed by the end of FY 2022-23.
Ministry of Heavy Industries  had invited proposals from Government Organizations/Public Sector Undertakings  / Government DISCOMs/ Oil Public Sector Undertakings and similar other Public/Private entities to build and operate Public Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure on Expressways and National Highways under FAME India Scheme Phase-II, wherein Energy Efficiency Services Limited  consortium with Convergence Energy Services Ltd  has been awarded the work for setting up of EV charging stations along 16 NH/Expressways.
In order to facilitate EESL in the above prospect, NHAI has signed an MOU with EESL. As per this MoU, NHAI shall provide space/land near the toll plazas and its buildings for installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations based on revenue sharing model. The space/land for the same shall be provided to EESL at no cost basis for duration as decided by NHAI. This would not only assist in promoting clean/green energy and conserving the environment but could also be a source of revenue for NHAI.
Further, the Ministry of Power, vide memorandum dated 14th December, 2018, has published guidelines and standards for the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles, which are available on [www.powermin.nic.in]. These guidelines have been revised on 01.10.2019. These guidelines stipulate the requirements regarding density/distance between two charging points and specify the priorities for rolling out of electric vehicle public charging infrastructure.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
MJPS
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Ministry of Culture
Art exhibition of Paintings featuring works of the renowned artist Mr. Rodolfo Vega Oviedo from El Salvador inaugurated at IGNCA Gallery in New Delhi
Cultural exchanges promote good relations among countries: Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi
The Indian Council of Cultural Relations  and the Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts  has organized an art exhibition of Paintings featuring works of the renowned artist Mr. Rodolfo Vega Oviedo from El Salvador.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture in the presence of renowned artist Mr.Rodolfo Vega Oviedo, today at IGNCA Gallery, in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi stated that cultural exchanges and appreciation of each other through art and craft, helps in familiarization with the way of life and promotes good relations among countries. Appreciating Mr. Rodolfo Vega Oviedo she said that he is here on a very momentous occasion as India is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Renowned artist Mr.Rodolfo Vega Oviedo, is a painter, an interior architect and cultural administrator is awarded by the French Government for his cultural work and for consolidating links between France and Latin America.
Rodolfo’s paintings act almost like an axis that centres his distinctive stories. Carefully collected materials like wire, sand, and leaf, amongst others, synthesize with his memories and result in a well-rehearsed composition. Acrylic and neon painted canvases delightfully demonstrate an accumulation of universal or mythological motifs simplified on the verge of abstraction. Correspondingly, the juxtaposition of geometrical patterns, colours, and textures codify his language yet make them intriguing. Taking a close look at the composition reveals layers of motifs like architecture, temple, rays, the sun, the moon, and undoubtedly much more. Perhaps, it depicts the sky with the movement of the sun or the moon in a three-dimensional space where possibly home is the key element. However, according to
His work is part of various personal and public collections and he has exhibited in more than 20 countries around the world. Among these exhibitions and public collections are the Pompidou Museum in Metz, the Tehran Artistic House, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Gomez Palace in Havana, Cuba etc.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard rescues all 16 crew of sinking MV Mangalam near Revdanda port of Maharashtra
Indian Coast Guard  rescued all 16 crew of sinking MV Mangalam near Revdanda port of Maharashtra on June 17, 2021. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre  Mumbai had received information from Indian flagged MV Mangalam that the vessel was partially sinking with 16 crew onboard around three kms from Revdanda Port.
The MRCC team initiated a rescue operation with ICG Ship Subhadra Kumari Chauhan pressed into action. Two ICG Chetak helicopters were also deployed from Indian Coast Guard Air Station, Daman. Braving gusting monsoon winds, ICG carried out a swift sea-air coordinated operation and saved 16 lives.
The rescued crew was taken to Revdanda and administered first aid. All crew are safe and healthy.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Union Budget reflects Prime Minister’s vision for “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”.
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Union Budget 2021-22 truly reflects the Prime Minister’s vision for “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. Speaking to media, he said, as one of the Six Pillars of the visionary Budget, it outlines plans for reforms as one of the core principles of Minimum government, Maximum governance. In this spirit, a number of steps were taken to bring reforms in Tribunals in the last few years for speedy delivery of justice and the Budget proposes to take further measures to rationalize the functioning of Tribunals, he added. The Minister further added that to have ease of doing business for those who deal with Government or CPSEs, and carry out contracts, the Budget proposes to set up a Conciliation Mechanism and mandate its use for quick resolution of contractual disputes to instil confidence in private investors and contractors.
Dwelling on some of the landmark good practices introduced by the Department of Personnel & Training  and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances  over the last 6-7 years, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled some of the revolutionary decisions taken to change the face of governance in India. Enumerating a few among them, he mentioned the decision to allow self-attestation of certificates without attestation of Gazetted Officer or anyone else, which was taken immediately after the Modi Government came in 2014. This was followed by abolition of interview for selection to government jobs in certain categories, introduction of three months stint for new IAS officers in the central government before going to their respective State/UT cadre, Amendment in Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 which included making the bribe-giver also culpable to offence, Child Care Leave for male employees, enhancement of maternity leave for women employees, Family Pension for divorced daughters, introduction of digital Life Certificate for pensioners, introduction of CPGRAMS driven portal, reorientation of PM Excellence Awards, changes in the curriculum at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Mussoorie among others.
Most importantly, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, in the Months of August and September, 2020, two historic decisions have been taken. One of them, he said, relates to “Mission Karamyogi”, which envisages continuous capacity building of every officer through digital mode in order to prepare him for every new assignment taken up by him and at the same time also enable the authorities to scientifically choose the right officer for the right assignment, while the second decision relates to constituting National Recruitment Agency  for conducting Common Eligibility Test  in order to provide level playing field to every job aspirant across the country, regardless of his socio-economic background.
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SNC
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister condoles the demise of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi offered his deepest condolences to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on the demise of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the Al Nahyan family and the people of UAE, he added.
Ministry of Rural Development
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj  and University of Reading , United Kingdom 
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding  signed between National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj  and University of Reading , United Kingdom  for collaboration in the field of agriculture and rural development in developing countries. The MoU was signed in March, 2022.
Impact:
This MoU will help NIRDPR faculty in acquiring and widening their knowledge, and develop an international professional network in agriculture, nutrition and rural development.
Both the institutes together can bring a considerable amount of research expertise in agricultural economics, rural development, livelihoods and nutrition studies that is required for the emerging inter-disciplinary area of research and capacity building.
Background:
NIRDPR has been involved with University of Reading in various research activities in the field of rural development like improvement of nutrition assessment by measuring energy expenditure, use of wearable accelerometric and sensor based devices in agricultural livelihoods research in low and middle income countries, and also in the area of Women and Child Development.